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Assael Architecture’s 491-home build-to-rent scheme in east London has been approved, despite objections from Tower Hamlets Council

The proposals for Clock House and Access House, south of the Olympic Park in Bromley-by-Bow, were approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).

The scheme features two towers – the tallest rising to 27 storeys – together with three smaller buildings which will provide community, retail and office space as well as studio, one, two and three-bedroomed homes for private rent.

Tower Hamlets Council last year wrote to the LLDC ’strongly objecting’ to the plans on grounds that the level of affordable homes included was unclear. It added that a temporary school was also required.

However, a report to the LLDC planning decisions committee by principal planning development manager Richard McFerran recommended approving the scheme, subject to conditions.

McFerran said one in four of the homes would be affordable, while £2.5 million would be contributed to works on the nearby A12.

‘The viability of the scheme has been subject to robust assessment both by [the LLDC’s] viability consultant and the Greater London Authority’s viability officer, who both consider the affordable housing offer to be the maximum viable amount,’ added his report.

He added that there was enough capacity in local schools to cope with the ‘relatively low demand’ expected from the new scheme.

‘The proposal is considered to be compliant with national, regional and local plan policies and guidance and can be considered as a form of sustainable development as supported within the National Planning Policy Framework,’ said his report.

Approval of the scheme, backed by developer Danescroft Land, came at the same meeting that gave the go-ahead for a 407-home proposal on the same road by Pitman Tozer Architects and bptw partnership.

Assael Architecture director Peter Ladhams said: ‘This scheme is hugely important for east London and is one of the first developments to unlock land around the River Lea.

‘We have sought to put the residents’ needs and experience at the heart of the design, offering a range of amenities alongside a generous contribution to the public realm, opening up the site to the river, transport links and neighbouring schemes.’

Danescroft development director Dominic Fryer said: ‘Bromley-by-Bow is an area undergoing rapid change, so it was important for us to maintain a strong sense of community while delivering a significant number of high-quality new homes in a well-connected central location.

‘Offering a generous range facilities and spaces for both the residents and the wider public, we are delighted this has gained consent and look forward to continuing the vision around the Olympic legacy.’

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